UAS Flight Operations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of airspace requires a remote PIC to obtain prior authorization before operating a sUAS?
- Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace (Correct answer)
- Class G airspace below 400 feet AGL
- Class E airspace above 1,200 feet AGL
- All airspace above 200 feet AGL
Correct answer: Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace
Part 107 requires authorization from ATC to operate in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E (designated) airspace.
Question 2: What effect does high density altitude have on sUAS performance?
- Reduced lift efficiency and decreased battery endurance (Correct answer)
- Increased thrust output due to thinner air resistance
- No effect because electric motors are not affected by air density
- Greater stability due to reduced turbulence
Correct answer: Reduced lift efficiency and decreased battery endurance
High density altitude means less dense air, which reduces rotor lift efficiency and forces motors to work harder, draining batteries faster.
Question 3: A remote PIC wants to fly over a moving vehicle on a public road. Under standard Part 107 rules (without a waiver), this operation is:
- Prohibited unless the persons inside the vehicle provide consent
- Permitted because people inside vehicles are not considered 'open-air assemblies' (Correct answer)
- Permitted at any altitude below 400 feet AGL
- Prohibited under all circumstances
Correct answer: Permitted because people inside vehicles are not considered 'open-air assemblies'
Part 107 prohibits flight over moving vehicles on public roads without a waiver, as they are considered similar to operations over people not under a covered structure.
Question 4: What information is typically included in a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) relevant to sUAS operators?
- Temporary flight restrictions, airspace changes, and hazards to navigation (Correct answer)
- Long-term weather forecasts for the operational area
- Aircraft maintenance schedules and airworthiness directives
- Pilot certificate renewal deadlines
Correct answer: Temporary flight restrictions, airspace changes, and hazards to navigation
NOTAMs alert pilots, including remote PICs, to TFRs, airspace modifications, obstacle additions, and other short-notice hazards.
Question 5: During a sUAS flight, the remote PIC observes the aircraft beginning to drift uncontrollably into a restricted area. What is the FIRST priority?
- Attempt to regain control, and if unsuccessful, activate RTH or land immediately (Correct answer)
- Contact ATC immediately on guard frequency
- Continue monitoring and document the event for post-flight reporting
- Increase altitude to avoid terrain while troubleshooting
Correct answer: Attempt to regain control, and if unsuccessful, activate RTH or land immediately
The remote PIC's first duty is to regain control or safely terminate the flight to prevent a collision or airspace violation.
Question 6: What does 'visual line of sight' (VLOS) require under Part 107?
- The remote PIC must be able to see the aircraft unaided (except corrective lenses) at all times (Correct answer)
- A visual observer must always be present to maintain sight of the aircraft
- The aircraft must remain within 1,500 feet of the remote PIC
- Line of sight can be maintained via an FPV camera feed
Correct answer: The remote PIC must be able to see the aircraft unaided (except corrective lenses) at all times
Part 107 requires the remote PIC (or visual observer) to maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft throughout the flight.
Question 7: A sUAS remote PIC is flying in Class G airspace and wants to operate from a moving vehicle. Under Part 107, this is permitted only:
- Over a sparsely populated area or in a rural environment (Correct answer)
- With ATC authorization
- Below 100 feet AGL
- When the vehicle speed is under 25 mph
Correct answer: Over a sparsely populated area or in a rural environment
Part 107 allows operations from a moving vehicle only over sparsely populated areas; operations over populated areas from a moving vehicle require a waiver.
UAS Flight Operations 3
Which type of airspace requires a remote PIC to obtain prior authorization before operating a sUAS?